He represented this book as an example of the Russian 19th century novel1

serve as a means of expressing something1

The flower represents a young girl1

create an image or likeness of1

The painter represented his wife as a young girl1

perform (a play), especially on a stage1

play a role or part1

be a delegate or spokesperson for; represent somebody's interest or be a proxy or substitute for, as of politicians and office holders representing their constituents, or of a tenant representing other tenants in a housing dispute1